DigiTimes: Asus Nexus 7 launching next week

A few weeks ago, we heard that an Asus rep was hinting at a June launch for the long-awaited Nexus 7 tablet.

Now DigiTimes is chiming in, with “sources from upstream component makers” saying that – as widely expected – the Asus Nexus 7 will be launched at Google I/O next week.

The DigiChaps are ultimately singing the same old Nexus 7 hymn. We’re told to expect a Google I/O launch, July release, and price tag of $199.

However, going into a little further detail, the Asus Nexus 7 is tipped to ship "at least" three million units in the second half of 2012. That seems a little underwhelming, considering the Amazon Kindle Fire managed to sell something like four million units in four weeks.

As for Asus Nexus 7 specs, we’re told that a “back-side webcam” (oo-er) won’t be present, presumably in order to keep cost down. There will, however, be some sort of front-facing camera.

I've been waiting for months for the Memo/Nexus because of the specs. If there isn't a decent back camera, it's useless for me. I don't need to take a picture of myself but plan on using it for research.

I've been waiting for months for the Memo/Nexus because of the specs. If there isn't a decent back camera, it's useless for me. I don't need to take a picture of myself but plan on using it for research.

I think a budget tablet with a "decent" back camera is about as likely as the iPhone 5 coming with mass-storage mode and a file explorer... slim chance.